MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — As you know, Friday is the first day of November. But it’s also the start of Movember.

Last year, a few of the guys here at WCCO-TV got into the spirit, and grew mustaches for the first time.

But over at the Xcel Energy Center, the Minnesota Wild are now in their fourth season growing staches.

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Hockey and facial hair go together like peas and carrots. So when the founders of Movember came to the NHL about five years ago, the league saw the charity as a perfect fit.

“Obviously, you know, hockey players are healthy, athletic guys, and what a great opportunity to help spread the word and raise awareness about cancers that affect men,” said Wayne Petersen, the director of events and promotions for the Wild.

Generally, men are more reluctant to seek help when they’re not feeling well. So, the Wild have taken big steps to get them talking.

“Back in November of 2010, we set a Guinness Book of World Records,” Petersen said, “we had 1,131 men with mustaches on the ice after the game for one big group photo.”

“And we’re gonna try to unofficially break that record this year,” he added.

Each one of those staches is a conversation starter. This year the Wild are once again ditching their razors for the cause.

“The entire team is very excited, but some players are able to grow better Mos than others,” Petersen said.

With the departure of Cal Clutterbuck – and his illustrious Clutterstache – there are big skates to fill.

“Zenon Konopka is gonna be captaining, and obviously he can grow a nice mustache, so that helps,” Petersen said.

So starting Friday, the staches will grow. And the Wild will help break the ice.

The Wild are kicking off their Movember campaign Friday at the X. Starting at 5:30 p.m. there will be all sorts of mustache related fun.

WCCO-TV is participating in Movember again this year as well. Matt Brickman, Mike Augustyniak and Chris Shaffer will all be growing Mo’s.